With depth one of Denver's strengths, he kept the second unit the same, instead moving rarely used rookies Julyan Stone and Kenneth Faried into the starting lineup.

Both had played in just five NBA games. Kosta Koufos started at center.

"I've always felt that younger players start better ... and they will be more consistent in the early minutes of a game than trying to find a role for them in a coming-off-the-bench situation that has already been determined," Karl said.

Rockets coach Kevin McHale said players can step up short-term, but he does not have a philosophy on replacing starters, instead basing the decision on the circumstances at the time.

"Everyone has a different philosophy," McHale said. "I've seen guys keep their bench the same and plug in the 12th man or the 10th man as a starter. It all depends on your feel and your team."

Dalembert happy for Pierre-Paul

Rockets center Samuel Dalembert had expected New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul to receive a ring by now and was happy to see his fellow Haitian triumph in the Super Bowl on Sunday.

But the ring he expected Pierre-Paul to have would have been gold, rather than the diamond-loaded championship ring Pierre-Paul will receive after the Giants' win. Pierre-Paul had been engaged to Dalembert's sister Melissa before the couple broke up last summer.

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